Everyone needs Science, Science needs everyone - Terry McGlynn

Genomics of Invasive and Emerging Species (GENIES)

Populations change over space and time, profoundly affecting epidemiological and economic landscapes and risk estimates. Rapid evolution in invasive species can predict the effects of Global Climate Change on disease epidemiology. We develop tools to reveal incipient infestations, identify which traits are associated with expansion and damage and optimize management strategies.

We research how species arrive, thrive, change, and (if capable vectors) transmit new and local pathogens to wildlife, livestock, pets and humans. We develop and use population and species level genetic markers that range from mitochondrial sequences to hypervariable microsatellites (SSRs) and dense maps of Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We use PCR, qPCR, standard and NextGen Illumina sequencing. We perform life-history measurements, competition experiments and insecticide resistance tests as well as field surveillance and control experiments in collaboration with federal, state, and county mosquito control programs as well as homeowners.